Sunday, May 18, 2025

[Herpetology • 2025] Scincella alia • A New mountain Species of the Genus Scincella Mittleman, 1950 (Squamata: Scincidae) from Ha Giang Province, northern Vietnam

 

Scincella alia Bragin, Zenin, Nguyen & Poyarkov,

in Bragin, Zenin, Dang, Dinh, Nguyen et Poyarkov, 2025.
  
Abstract
A new species of ground skinks belonging to the genus Scincella is described from Tay Con Linh Range, Ha Giang Province, northern Vietnam, based on morphological and molecular evidence. Scincella alia sp. nov. is characterized by a combination of the following characters: (1) slender, medium-sized body, snout-vent length 38.2–48.2 mm; (2) prefrontals separated from each other; (3) infralabials seven; (4) supraciliaries six; (5) two preoculars, three presuboculars, two postoculars, three postsuboculars; (6) supralabials separated from the eye by a row of small scales; (7) tympanum deeply recessed without lobules; (8) midbody scale rows 26 (rarely 28); (9) dorsal scales smooth, slightly enlarged, with paravertebral scale rows 56–63, ventral scale rows, including gulars, 66–76; (10) upper edge of lateral longitudinal stripes relatively straight, with four rows of medial dorsal scales; (11) enlarged, undivided lamellae beneath finger IV 7–10; (12) enlarged, undivided lamellae beneath toe IV 11–13; (13) ventral surface of head and belly lacking black spots, ventral surface of tail ornamented with dark sports; (14) dorsal surface of body grayish brown with small dark and pale sports; (15) ventral surface of throat, belly and base of tail from cream yellow in females to lemon yellow in males. In phylogenetic analyses, the new species forms an independent lineage clearly distinct from all other congeners included in the study and divergent in the COI (p > 18.7%) and the 16S rRNA (p > 2.6%) mtDNA gene sequences. This discovery increases the number of known Scincella species to 43. Further studies reassessing the populations of the Scincella monticola complex in northern Vietnam are required.

Reptilia, Scincella alia sp. nov., morphology, taxonomy, Tay Con linh range, mtDNA


Ml-tree showing the matrilineal genealogy of the genus Scincella based on 3,297 bp of mtDNA sequences (COI, ND2, cyt b, 16S rrNA, and 12S rrNA genes). Node values correspond to ultrafast bootstrap supports (UBS) from Ml analyses and Bayesian posterior probabilities (BPP) from BI analyses, respectively (UBS/BPP).
Photograph of Scincella alia sp. nov. on the thumbnail by A. M. Bragin. 

Distribution of the genus Scincella in northern vietnam and southern China. Figures with a dot indicate the type localities of the corresponding species. localities: Scincella alia sp. nov.  (white): 1—Chieu Lau Thi Mt., Hoang Su Phi District, Ha Giang Province, Vietnam (type locality, this study), 2—Tay Con Linh Mt., Vi Xuyen District, Ha Giang Province, Vietnam; S. monticola (yellow): 3—Lijiang, Yunnan Province, China (type locality), 4—Shangri-La, Yunnan Province, China, 5—Weixi, Yunnan Province. China; S. cf. monticola (grey): 6—Wa Shan Mt., Sichuan Province, China; 7—Muong Nhe NR, Dien Bien Province, Vietnam, 8—Thanh Cong, Cao Bang Province, Vietnam, 9—Mau Son Mt, Lang Son Province, Vietnam; S. wangyuezhaoi (dark blue): 10—Shapai, Sichuan Province, China (type locality), 11—Shuluogou, Sichuan Province, China; S. potanini (red): 12—Kangding, Sichuan Province, China (type locality); S. liangshanensis (mint): 13—Shenguozhuang NR, Sichuan Province, China (type locality), 14—Dafengding NR, Sichuan Province, China; S. fansipanensis (orange): 15— Fansipan Mt., Sa Pa, Lao Cai Province, Vietnam (type locality); S. devorator (green): 16—Yen Tu Mt., Uong Bi, Quang Ninh Province, Vietnam (type locality), 17—Ba Vi NP, Ha Noi Capital, Vietnam; 18—Copia NR, Son La Province, Vietnam; S. truongi (magenta): 19—Sop Cop NR, Son La Province, Vietnam (type locality).  

Holotype of Scincella alia sp. nov. (ZMMu re-18147, adult male, in preservative).
A—Right lateral view of head; B–ventral view of head; C. Dorsal view of head; D—Ventral view of left forelimb; E—Ventral view of left hindlimb; F—Dorsal view of body; G–Ventral view of body.
Scale bars: A–E = 2 mm; F, G = 10 mm. Photographs by A. M. Bragin

Holotype of Scincella alia sp. nov. (ZMMu re-18147, adult male, prior to preservation).
A—Dorsal view of body; B—ventral view of body; C—Dorsal view of right hemipenis, fully everted; D—ventral view of right hemipenis, fully everted.
Scale bars: A, B = 10 mm; C, В = 2 mm. Photographs by A. M. Bragin.

Holotype of Scincella alia sp. nov. (ZMMU Re-18147, adult male) in situ.
Photograph by A. M. Bragin.

 Head scale nomenclature and their positional relationship and size illustrated by the adult male Scincella alia sp. nov. (holotype, ZMMu re-18147).
A. right lateral view; B. Dorsal view; C. ventral view. Terminology is modified from ouboter (1986) and grismer et al. (2019).
Al—anterior loreal, C—ciliary, Cs—chin-shield; F—frontal, FN—frontonasal, FP—frontoparietal, IF—infralabial, IP—interparietal, lST—lower secondary temporal, lTT—lower tertiary temporal, lPT—lower pretemporal, lPSl—lower postsupralabial, M—mental, N—nasal, Nu—nuchal, P—parietal, PF—prefrontal, Pl—posterior loreal, PM—postmental, Pr—preocular, PrS—presubocular, PT—primary temporal, PSo—postsubocular, Po—postocular, r—rostral, SC—supraciliaries, Sl—supralabial, So—supraocular, uPT—upper pretemporal, uPSl—lower postsupralabial, uST—upper secondary temporal, and uTT—upper tertiary temporal, *—small scales separating supralabials from the lower eyelid.
Illustration by A. M. Bragin

Habitats of Scincella alia sp. nov. in Ha giang Province, vietnam:
A, B—Severely disturbed low-canopy forest fragment at elevation 2,094 m asl. and microhabitat at the type locality on Chieu lau Thi Moutain; C—Broad-leaved evergreen high-canopy forest with Chinese cardamom plantations at elevation 1,916 m asl. on Tay Con linh Moutain; D—Primary highcanopy evergreen and deciduous forest at elevation 2,369 m asl. on Tay Con linh Mountain.
Photographs by A. M. Bragin.



Andrey M. BRAGIN, Evgeniy S. ZENIN, Cuong Hung DANG, Tu Vu Anh DINH, Tan Van NGUYEN and Nikolay A. POYARKOV. 2025. A New mountain Species of the Genus Scincella Mittleman, 1950 (Squamata: Scincidae) from Ha Giang Province, northern Vietnam. Zootaxa. 5636(2); 201-236. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5636.2.1 [2025-05-16]


[Entomology • 2025] Sufetula fulgurata, S. gigantea, S. serrata, ... • Assessment of Species Diversity of the Lathrotelinae (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) from the Philippines using Morphology and DNA Barcoding reveals Eight New Species


3. Diplopseustis brunnealis comb. nov., male, right half. 4. Sufetula paula comb. nov., male, right half. 
5. Sufetula choreutalis, female, right half. 6. Sufetula gigantea sp. nov., female, right half. 
7. Sufetula fulgurata sp. nov., male, right half. 8. S. fulgurata sp. nov., female, right forewing.
13. Sufetula monticola sp. nov., female, right half.
16. Sufetula metallias comb. nov., male, right half.
17. Sufetula polystrialis, male, right half.

Müller, Hayden, Lees & Léger, 2025

Abstract
Lathrotelinae is a recently rehabilitated subfamily of moths within Crambidae. They can be recognized by the presence of costal median spots on the forewing, the absence of chaetosemata and the loss of the gnathos in the male genitalia. With the analysis of morphological characters and DNA barcodes, eight species authored by Müller, Hayden & Léger are described as new from the Philippines: Sufetula elfridea sp. nov., Sufetula falcata sp. nov., Sufetula fulgurata sp. nov., Sufetula gigantea sp. nov., Sufetula minuta sp. nov., Sufetula monticola sp. nov., Sufetula oculalis sp. nov. and Sufetula serrata sp. nov. New combinations are provided for Sufetula metallias Meyrick, 1897 comb. nov.Sufetula paula West, 1931 comb. nov. and Diplopseustis brunnealis Hampson, 1917 comb. nov. Sufetula choreutalis (Snellen 1880), Sufetula metallias comb. nov. and Sufetula polystrialis Hampson, 1912 are newly recorded for the Philippines. The molecular results reveal cryptic diversity correlated with geographical or elevational distribution in four of the species.

Keywords: DiplopseustisSufetula, systematics, taxonomy

Figures 3-8. Wings of Lathrotelinae species.
3. Diplopseustis brunnealis comb. nov., specimen coll.mfn-berlin.de_u_2a6f6a, male, right half. 4. Sufetula paula comb. nov., specimen coll.mfn-berlin.de_u_2a6f67, male, right half. 
5. Sufetula choreutalis, specimen coll.mfn-berlin.de_u_2a6f58, female, right half. 6. Sufetula gigantea sp. nov., specimen coll.mfn-berlin.de_u_2a6f56, female, right half.
7. Sufetula fulgurata sp. nov., specimen coll.mfn-berlin.de_u_2a6f6e, male, right half. 8. S. fulgurata sp. nov., specimen coll.mfn-berlin.de_u_1ff9c0, female, right forewing.

 
Anne Müller, James Hayden, David C. Lees and Théo Léger. 2025. Assessment of Species Diversity of the Lathrotelinae (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) from the Philippines using Morphology and DNA Barcoding reveals Eight New Species. Journal of Asia-Pacific Biodiversity. In Press. DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.japb.2025.01.012 [17 March 2025]

[Botany • 2025] Amomum zamboangense (Zingiberaceae) • The Phylogenetic Placement of A New Species of Amomum from the Philippines

 

Amomum zamboangense

 in Docot, Santiago, Mazo, Rule, Haevermans et Poulsen, 2025.   

Abstract
During recent fieldwork in Pasonanca Natural Park, Zamboanga City, Philippines, we collected a ginger species belonging to Amomum sensu stricto that resembled the Bornean endemic Amomum stenosiphon. In phylogenetic analyses based on ITS trnK/matK sequences, the Philippine collections formed a monophyletic group but did not group with A. stenosiphon in the ITS tree whereas they are sister to each other in the trnK/matK tree. Also, one autapomorphic site in the ITS region was found for the Philippine collections. Nevertheless, the Philippine collections are morphologically distinct and differ from A. stenosiphon by their longer petioles, more narrow and ovate laminae, and fewer flowers per flowering shoot, and we describe here a new species, Amomum zamboangense, named after the type locality. We provide a colour plate and a preliminary assessment of its conservation status. Since Amomum dealbatum has previously been reported from the Philippines, two species of Amomum s.s. are now known to occur in the country.

Keywords: Amomum dealbatum, Amomum stenosiphon, Elettariopsis,endangered, ITS, trnK/matK


 Amomum zamboangense


Rudolph Valentino A. Docot, Lyle Christian P. Santiago, Kean Roe F. Mazo, Mark Gregory Q. Rule, Thomas Haevermans and Axel Dalberg Poulsen. 2025. The Phylogenetic Placement of A New Species of Amomum (Zingiberaceae) from the Philippines. Nordic Journal of Botany. DOI: doi.org/10.1002/njb.04768 [14 May 2025]


[Botany • 2025] Bulbophyllum bukitrayaense (Orchidaceae: Epidendroideae) • A New Species of section Macrocaulia from Mount Bukit Raya, Indonesia [Contributions to the Orchid Flora of Kalimantan II]


Bulbophyllum bukitrayaense  Yudistira & Mustaqim,  

in Yudistira, RANDI, JOHARUDIN et Mustaqim, 2025. 
 
Abstract
A new species of Bulbophyllum section Macrocaulia named Bulbophyllum bukitrayaense Yudistira & Mustaqim is described from the mid-montane forest zone of Mount Bukit Raya, Kalimantan Barat Province. It is similar to Bulbophyllum scabrum but differs in having the lower surface of the labellum with two times approaching margin undulation. The new species also have coarsely rugose upper ¼ surface of the labellum (vs smooth) and ovary covered by papillose-muriculate indumentum (vs glabrous). A full description, notes, and fresh photograph plates are given.

Bulbophyllum, endemic, epiphyte, taxonomy, West Malesia, Monocots


Bulbophyllum bukitrayaense (A) in its habitat alongside Bulbophyllum succedaneum J.J.Sm. (Smith 1927: 67).
Photographby Wendy A. Mustaqim.

 Bulbophyllum bukitrayaense Yudistira & Mustaqim sp. nov.


Yuda R. YUDISTIRA, Agusti RANDI, Didin JOHARUDIN and Wendy A. MUSTAQIM. 2025. Contributions to the Orchid Flora of Kalimantan II: A New Bulbophyllum sect. Macrocaulia from Mount Bukit Raya, Indonesia. Phytotaxa. 700(3); 251-256. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.700.3.1 [2025-05-09] 

[Botany • 2025] Artabotrys rubriflorus (Annonaceae) • A New Species from Yunnan China


Artabotrys rubriflorus  

in Liu, Ye, Li, Xiao et Hou, 2025. 

Abstract
Artabotrys rubriflorus sp. nov. is described as a new species of Annonaceae, collected from Malipo, Yunnan province, China. It can be distinguished from the other nine species of Artabotrys by its red petals and stamens, as well as its reduced number of carpels per flower (7–9), fewer monocarps per fruit (4), and the presence of 1–2 seeds within each monocarp. The specimens of this new species were gathered through fieldwork and were subsequently subjected to rigorous analysis using both classical taxonomical methods and molecular phylogenetic analysis. The phylogenetic reconstruction, based on four chloroplast DNA regions (matK, rbcL, trnLF and psbAtrnH), was carried out employing maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference approaches. These analyses confirmed the systematic positioning of Artabotrys rubriflorus sp. nov. within the genus Artabotrys, while also establishing its distinctiveness from other species. Additionally, a comprehensive and detailed description of the new species, along with a key for identification, is provided.

Keywords: Artabotrys, China, molecular phylogeny, new species, taxonomy, Yunnan


Artabotrys rubriflorus sp. nov. 


Yunqian Liu, Wen Ye, Yuwen Li, Bo Xiao and Xueliang Hou. 2025. Artabotrys rubriflorus (Annonaceae), A New Species from Yunnan China. Nordic Journal of Botany. DOI: doi.org/10.1111/njb.04680  [19 March 2025]

[Herpetology • 2025] Nidirana cangshanensis • A New Species of the Genus Nidirana Dubois, 1992 (Anura: Ranidae) from Yunnan Province, Chin


Nidirana cangshanensis 

Liu, Hou & Rao, 2025 
Cangshan Mountain Music Frog | 苍山琴蛙  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.83.18   

Abstract
A new species of the genus Nidirana Dubois, 1992 is described from Cangshan Mountain, Dali Prefecture, Yunnan Province, China. The new species is morphologically most similar to N. pleuraden (Boulenger, 1904) and N. occidentalis Lyu, Yang & Wang, 2020, but it can be distinct from the latter two species by having a relatively shorter and wider head, relatively larger eyes, relatively smaller tympana, relatively much shorter foot, and a much greater difference in body size between males and females. Phylogenetically, the new species differs from its congeners by a genetic divergence of 2.6–8.6% and 6.1–14.1% in 16S and COI genes, respectively. This study further emphasizes that the diversity of the genus Nidirana is still severely underestimated.

Holotype (KIZ2024164) of Nidirana cangshanensis sp. nov. in life.
(A) Dorsal view; (B) left view; (C) ventral view; (D) right view.

Paratypes of  Nidirana cangshanensis sp. nov. in life. 
(D–F) the male KIZ2024171; (G–I) the male KIZ2024174; (J–L) the female KIZ2024166.

Nidirana cangshanensis sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Body size medium, SVL 43.6–52.1 mm in adult males and 59.7–64.1 mm in adult females; head relatively short, HDL/SVL 0.34–0.36; head length approximately equal to head width, HDL/HDW 0.99–1.05; eye relatively large, ED/HDL 0.29–0.33; tympanum relatively small, TD/HDL 0.17–0.20, TD/ED 0.52–0.71; tip of every digit not dilated; lateroventral groove absent on every digit; foot short, FTL/SVL 0.52–0.57; tibio-tarsal articulation reaching between tympanum and eye or at eye; heels just meeting; posterior of dorsal skin rough with tubercles; a pair of subgular vocal sacs in breeding males; single nuptial pad present on first finger in adult males; suprabrachial gland large and smooth.

Etymology. The specific name cangshanensis refers to the type locality Cangshan Mountain, in Dali Prefecture, Yunnan Province, China. We suggest the English common name to be “Cangshan Mountain Music Frog” and the Chinese common name to be “苍山琴蛙 (Pinyin: cāng shān qín wā)”.


Shuo Liu, Mian Hou and Dingqi Rao. 2025. A New Species of the Genus Nidirana Dubois, 1992 (Anura: Ranidae) from Yunnan Province, China. Ecologica Montenegrina. 83; 175-190. DOI: doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.83.18  

Saturday, May 17, 2025

[Herpetology • 2025] Gekko prep • A New Species of Gekko (Subgenus Japonigekko) (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Hainan, China


Gekko prep  
Zhou, Chen, Liu, X.-J. Li, Qi, J.-L. Li & Peng, 2025 

 
Abstract
Hainan Province harbors one of the richest gekkonid faunas in China, currently comprising three species from the subgenus Japonigekko. A recent reptile survey in Hainan province suggests that the diversity of gekkonid species may be significantly underestimated. During fieldwork in Bawangling National Park, we discovered a dark green gecko. Based on both morphological and molecular evidence, this gecko is distinct from all known species and is therefore described here as a new species: Gekko prep sp. nov. 

Reptilia, Gekko prep sp. nov., gecko, integrative taxonomy, molecular phylogeny, morphology, Bawangling National Park


Gekko prep sp. nov. 


Run-Bang ZHOU, Kai-Zheng CHEN, Qiao-Min LIU, Xing-Jun LI, Xv-Ming QI, Jia-Ling LI and Xiao-Peng PENG. 2025. Description of A New Species of the Subgenus Japonigekko (Squamata: Gekkonidae: Gekko) from Hainan, China.  Zootaxa. 5633(3); 528-540. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5633.3.6 [2025-05-13]

[Ichthyology • 2025] Betta iaspis & B. mulyadii • Phylogenetic Analysis of Betta coccina Complex (Teleostei: Osphronemidae) from Peninsular Malaysia and Sumatra Island with Descriptions of Two New Species


Betta iaspis  &  B. mulyadii  

Ding, Lei, Haryono, Shi & Zhang, 2025 

Abstract
The Betta coccina complex is a diverse taxonomic group of fighting fish widely distributed in isolated islands in Southeast Asia. This genus is an ideal model for investigating freshwater fish evolutionary patterns and historical biogeography in the Malay Archipelago. In this study, based on principal component analysis of morphological traits, taxonomic diagnoses, and phylogenetic analysis of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene, two new species are described from Sumatra Island, Betta iaspis sp. nov. and Betta mulyadii sp. nov. The former has a distinctive black anal fin with a few red patches on the posterior half, while the latter is red and unspotted throughout, distinguishing them with their five or six subdorsal scales from other members of the Betta coccina complex. Phylogenetic analysis of the Betta coccina complex based on Cyt b further suggests that the speciation and present distributional pattern of this complex cannot be explained simply by the current geographic isolation of the Strait of Malacca, but by the connection-isolation scenario in the Pleistocene biogeographic context in Sundaland. This metapopulation of extant Betta species suggests a potential radiative evolution before the Last Glacial Maximum. These findings advance our understanding of the taxonomy and biogeographic evolution of Betta species in Southeast Asia.

Key words: Betta, biodiversity, mitochondrial cytochrome b gene, phylogeny, taxonomy
 
Illustrations of Betta iaspis sp. nov.
A MZB.26963, 19.5 mm SL male holotype, freshly preserved after collection in field (laterally inverted) B male, live coloration, not preserved (laterally inverted)
C male holotype, in stress coloration immediately after capture (laterally inverted) D female, in courtship coloration, not preserved (laterally inverted).

 Betta iaspis sp. nov.
  
Diagnosis. Betta iaspis sp. nov. differs from its congeners in the B. coccina group by the following unique combination of characters: less dorsal-fin rays (8–10*) and subdorsal scales (5–6*); shorter dorsal–fin base (7.5–19.1% SL, mean 11.7%); male with dark blackish body; without green iridescent mid-lateral body patch; dorsal-, pelvic- and caudal fins red without significant marks; blackish anal fin with reddish patches on posterior part.

Etymology. A Latin noun iaspis is derived from the Greek ἴασπις, for the gemstone jasper, which is usually red or green/blue in color, referring to the distinct combination of the fish’s iridescent bluish/greenish body and reddish fins.

Type locality photographs for Betta iaspis sp. nov.
A freshly collected specimens of male from type locality in dry season (laterally inverted), coll. Mulyadi Tjoa Hong Tjai B photograph of remaining puddles in the forest in dry season, photograph by Mulyadi Tjoa Hong Tjai 2023 C the surface of the type locality appear to be dried-up in dry season, while the mud beneath the thick layer of dead leaves often remain moist D this area will turn to swamp in rain season, photograph by Agus 2022 E type locality in Jambi, a small forest swamp directly adjacent to a huge oil-palm plantation.


Illustrations of Betta mulyadii sp. nov. 
 A MZB.26964, 18.5 mm SL male holotype, freshly preserved B male holotype, in stress coloration immediately after capture C breeding male with a bubble-nest, not preserved (laterally inverted) D female, in courtship coloration, not preserved E Bmale, live coloration, not preserved (laterally inverted).

 Betta mulyadii sp. nov.
Betta sp. Riau Red—Linke 2014: 228.

Diagnosis. Betta mulyadii sp. nov. differs from its congeners in the B. coccina group by the following unique combination of characters: fewer dorsal-fin rays (8*–10) and subdorsal scales (5*-6); shorter dorsal-fin base (9.89–15.1% SL, mean 12.5%); male with reddish body; without green iridescent mid-lateral body patch; unpaired fins red without significant marks (dorsal and caudal fins with bright bluish margins).

Etymology. The species is named after Mulyadi Tjoa Hong Tjai, who discovered this species and contributed much first-hand field information on this genus during the last 30 years. Previously the species was widely known by the common name “api-api” given by the discoverer, which means flame/fire in Bahasa Indonesia referring to the reddish body and lanceolate caudal fin.

Type locality photographs for Betta mulyadii sp. nov. 
A swamp shaded by secondary shrubs B a tiny swamp surrounded by a huge oil-palm plantation C freshly collected specimens of male B. mulyadii from type locality, coll. Mulyadi Tjoa Hong Tjai.


Jiali Ding, Wen Lei, Haryono Haryono, Wentian Shi and Wanchang Zhang. 2025. Phylogenetic Analysis of Betta coccina Complex (Teleostei, Osphronemidae) from Peninsular Malaysia and Sumatra Island with Descriptions of Two New Species. ZooKeys. 1238: 161-181. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1238.142857

Friday, May 16, 2025

[Herpetology • 2020] Nidirana occidentalis • A New Species of Nidirana from the N. pleuraden Group (Anura: Ranidae) from western Yunnan, China


Nidirana occidentalis  Lyu, Yang & Wang,

 in Lyu, Chen, Yang, ZENG, J. Wang, Zhao, Wan, Pang et Y.-Y. Wang, 2020.
 
Abstract
The Music Frog genus Nidirana was recently resurrected as a distinct genus and contains 14 species distributed in subtropical eastern and southeastern Asia. The species diversity of Nidirana is dramatically underestimated, and half of its species was described in the last five years. In this study, Nidirana occidentalis sp. nov., a new species of Music Frog from western Yunnan, China, is proposed based on morphological and molecular evidences. The new species was previously misidentified as N. pleuraden, but can be distinguished from the true N. pleuraden from eastern Yunnan, and all other congeners, by a combination of morphological characteristics, and significant divergence in the mitochondrial genes (≥ 5.1% in 16S and ≥ 8.9% in CO1). Nidirana occidentalis sp. nov. is assigned to the N. pleuraden group on the basis of morphological characters, but its phylogenetic placement remains unresolved due to weak branch support. Geographically, these two species are isolated by the Red River in Yunnan, supporting the hypothesis that the Red River is an important geographical barrier that drives speciation in flora and fauna. Nidirana occidentalis sp. nov. represents the second species of N. pleuraden group and the 15th species of the genus.

Amphibia, Geography, phylogeny, morphology, Nidirana occidentalis sp. nov.

  Coloration in life and variations of Nidirana occidentalis sp. nov.
A: male paratype SYS a007830; B: male paratype SYS a007831; C: female paratype SYS a007832;
1: dorsolateral view; 2: ventral view.

Nidirana occidentalis sp. nov. Lyu, Yang & Wang 

 Comparisons of morphological characteristics between Nidirana occidentalis sp. nov.  
 (A, SYS a007830) and N. pleuraden (B, SYS a007717).
1: dorsolateral view; 2: close-up of the head, showing relatively larger tympanum in N. pleuraden; 3: close-up of the hand, the arrow showing presence of one supernumerary tubercle at the base of fingers IV in N. pleuraden.


 Zhi-Tong LYU, Yang CHEN, Jian-Huan YANG, Zhao-Chi ZENG, Jian WANG, Jian ZHAO, Han WAN, Hong PANG and Ying-Yong WANG. 2020. A New Species of Nidirana from the N. pleuraden Group (Anura, Ranidae) from western Yunnan, China. Zootaxa. 4861(1); 43–62. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4861.1.3 [2020-10-15]

[Funga • 2025] Clavaria divergens, C. orientalis & C. tongdaoensis • Morphological and Multi-locus Phylogenetic Analyses reveal Three New branched Species of Clavaria (Agaricales: Clavariaceae) from China


 Clavaria divergens   
Clavaria orientalis  
 Clavaria tongdaoensis  
P. Zhang & Ju. Yan,

in Yan, Xiong, Yang, He, Zhang et Liao, 2025.

Abstract
Based on morphological and molecular evidence, 12 specimens have been identified as belonging to three previously unrecognized species of Clavaria, which are here described as C. divergens, C. orientalis, and C. tongdaoensis. Clavaria divergens is characterized by its branched, white basidiomata. Clavaria orientalis and C. tongdaoensis are very similar to C. zollingeri in the field. However, C. orientalis is distinguished by its more robust branches, while C. tongdaoensis differs by its varied or paler color of basidiomata. A concatenated sequence dataset (ITS-nrLSU-RPB2) was used for multi-locus phylogenetic analysis. The phylogenetic tree of Clavaria showed that the three branched species each formed a distinct lineage with strong support. A key to the known branched species of Clavaria in China is provided.

Key words: Clavariaceae, morphology, phylogeny, taxonomy

Basidiomata of Clavaria divergens a MHHNU9857 b MHHNU10165.
Basidiomata of C. orientalis a MHHNU7767 b MHHNU32116.
Basidiomata of C. tongdaoensis a MHHNU11093 b MHHNU11094. 
Scale bars: 2 cm.


Jun Yan, Li Xiong, Li-Xun Yang, Zheng-Mi He, Ping Zhang and Ke Liao. 2025. Morphological and Multi-locus Phylogenetic Analyses reveal Three New branched Species of Clavaria (Clavariaceae, Agaricales) from China. MycoKeys. 115: 137-153. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/mycokeys.115.145774

[Botany • 2019] Rehderodendron truongsonense (Styracaceae) • A New Species from Vietnam


Rehderodendron truongsonense  P.W. Fritsch, W.B. Liao, & W.Y. Zhao,

in Zhao, Fritsch, Do, Fan, Yin, Penneys, Swenson et Liao, 2019. 

Rehderodendron truongsonense, a new species from Vietnam, is described and illustrated. In the treatment of the Styracaceae for the Flore du Cambodge, du Laos, et du Viêtnam, specimens of this species were recognized as R. macrocarpum Hu. These specimens clearly differ from R. macrocarpum, however, as well as from all other species of Rehderodendron (where these characters are known) by, e.g., an evergreen versus deciduous habit, fewer secondary veins of the leaf blade, shorter inflorescences and corolla lobes, large and conspicuous lowermost bracteoles, the presence of eight ovules per carpel, and a fruit with ca. 10 to 20 ribs that are indistinct. Phylogenetic analysis based on five chloroplast DNA regions (clpP-psbB, ndhD-psaC-ndhE-ndhG, rpl22-rps19, rps18-rpl20, and psbI-trnS-GCU) placed the new species as nested within Rehderodendron and sister to R. gongshanense. This new species is endemic to the Truong Son Mountain Range, from which the epithet is derived, and we assign it an IUCN Red List preliminary status as Near Threatened.

  Images of living Rehderodendron truongsonense: reproductive characters.
A. Inflorescences showing bud scales, prophylls, bracteoles, and flowers in bud and at anthesis. B. Inflorescences showing flowers in bud and at anthesis showing stamens and styles. C. Branchlet with immature fruit. D. Branchlet with nearly mature fruit. Note indistinct ribs. E. Fruit cut transversely near middle showing three locules with one seed each. F. Old fruit showing endocarp tissue with radiating rays and two locules separated by a central canal.
A, B, U. Swenson et al. 2131; photographs by U. Swenson. C, F, Q. Fan et al. 17322; photographs by Q. Fan. D, E, Swenson et al. 2018; photographs by V.T. Do.

Rehderodendron truongsonense P.W. Fritsch, W.B. Liao, & W.Y. Zhao, sp. nov. 


Wan-Yi Zhao, Peter W. Fritsch, Van Truong Do, Qiang Fan, Qian-Yi Yin, Darin S. Penneys, Ulf Swenson, Wen-Bo Liao. 2019. Rehderodendron truongsonense (STYRACACEAE), A New Species from Vietnam. J. Bot. Res. Inst. Texas. 13(1); 157 – 171. DOI: doi.org/10.17348/jbrit.v13.i1.837 

[Entomology • 2025] Ajorama chelatoides • A New Species of Ajorama Otte, 1988 (Grylloidea: Gryllidae: Landrevinae) from Mindanao, Philippines

 

Ajorama chelatoides 
Daguplo, Mondejar & Tan, 2025
 

Abstract
Ajorama Otte, 1988 is a genus of Landrevinae subfamily endemic to the Philippines, with only two species described: A. balatukanis Otte, 1988 and A. siargaoensis (Tan, Gorochov, Baroga-Barbecho & Yap, 2019). In a recent fieldwork in Northern Mindanao, Philippines, a new species of Ajorama was discovered and is described here: Ajorama chelatoides sp. nov. It is most readily distinguished from other congeners by the male genitalia having a chelated (crab-like) pseudepiphallic lophi [posterolateral epiphallic lobe]. This represents the third described species of Ajorama. This genus remains endemic to Mindanao. A new locality record (Lanao del Norte, Iligan City) for Duolandrevus (Bejorama) gingoogus Otte, 1988, previously known from Mt. Pomalith, Misamis Oriental, is also reported.

Orthoptera, Bark cricket, Duolandrevus (Bejoramagingoogus, Gryllidae, new locality record, Southeast Asia


Ajorama chelatoides sp. nov.


Jiandy DAGUPLO, Eddie MONDEJAR and Ming Kai TAN. 2025. A New Species of Ajorama Otte, 1988 (Grylloidea, Landrevinae) from Mindanao, Philippines.  Zootaxa. 5632(3); 522-530. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5632.3.5 [2025-05-08]

 

[Invertebrate • 2025] Rediscovery and Phylogenetic Position of A Long-lost Typhloperipatus williamsoni Kemp, 1913 (Onychophora: Peripatidae) after 111 Years from Arunachal Pradesh, India


Typhloperipatus williamsoni Kemp, 1913 

in Narayanan, Priyadarsanan, Ranjith, Sahanashree et Ananthram, 2025. 

ABSTRACT
Typhloperipatus williamsoni, a long-lost species of the phylum Onychophora (velvet worms), is rediscovered after over a century in the Siang Valley in Arunachal Pradesh, India. The rediscovery is based on two individuals, one collected near the type locality (Kalek, Arunachal Pradesh, India) and the other from a previously unknown location (Yingku, Arunachal Pradesh, India). We provide additional natural history and distribution information about this poorly known species, and the first live images. Molecular data for T. williamsoni is generated for the first time to understand its phylogenetic position within Peripatidae. The phylogenetic analyses based on three mitochondrial genes (12S, 16S and COI) recovered T. williamsoni as a sister to Southeast Asian Eoperipatus. Further, the biogeographic scenario of Asian peripatids is briefly discussed based on the molecular dating analysis.

KEYWORDS: Velvet worms, Siang expedition, natural history, molecular analysis, biogeography
 

 Typhloperipatus williamsoni Kemp, 1913 



Surya Narayanan, D.R. Priyadarsanan, A.P. Ranjith, R. Sahanashree and Aravind Neelavar Ananthram. 2025. Rediscovery and Phylogenetic Position of A Long-lost Typhloperipatus williamsoni Kemp, 1913 (Onychophora: Peripatidae) after 111 Years from Arunachal Pradesh, India. Journal of Natural History. 59(17-20); 1167-1180. DOI: doi.org/10.1080/00222933.2025.2483434 [11 Apr 2025]